Banteay Srei Temple is located in Banteay Srei village, Banteay Srei commune, Banteay Srei district, about 32 kilometers from Siem Reap provincial town. The temple was built in the second half of the 10th century during the reign of King Rajendravarman and King Jayavarman V, dedicating to Brahmanism. the citadel of the Samre. Samre refers to an ethic group of mountain people, who inhabited the region at the base of Phnom Kulen and were probably related to the Khmers. In the past, the people who lived in Pradak village were Samre.

Even now, it is believed that some the people living in the Pradak village are descendants of the Samre, whose primary job was to guard the temple. Moreover, Samre people living in the Cardamon Mountains say they are descendants of the people who lived at Angkor and perhaps, at Banteay Samre . Therefore, the name Banteay Samre related to history, to legend and to the form and location of the temple. The special charm of this temple lies in its remarkable state of preservation, small size and excellence of decoration. Some unanimous archaeologists say that Banteay Srei is a precious gem and a jewel in Khmer art. Banteay Srei, as it is known by locals, was originally called Isvarapura, according to inscription.

It was built by a Brahmin of royal descent who was spiritual teacher to King Jayavarman V. a special feature of the exquisite decoration was use of hard pink sandstone ( quartz arenite) which enabled the technique of sandstone carving. Architectural and decorative feature of Banteay Srei are unique and exceptionally fine. A tapestry-like background of foliage cover the walls of the structures in the central group as if a deliberate attempt has been made to leave no space undecorated. The architecture is distinguished by triple superimposed frontons with relief narrative scenes carved in the tympanums, terminal motifs on the frames of the arches, and standing figure in the niches. Panels are its execution has a liveliness compared to the rest of Angkor this is in miniature. The door of the central towers of architectures and decoration make up or any shortcomings in size. The temple is rectangular in plan and enclosed by three ramparts and a moat.

Only two of the ramparts are visible. The central area of the temple is the most important and the most beautiful. It is surrounding by the brick rampart has almost entirely collapsed. However, there are remnants on either side of the walkway in the central courtyard opening to the west. The three shrines arranged side by side in a north to south line standing on a common, low platform and opening to the east. The principle shrine in the central contained Shiva lingam, the shrine on the south was dedicated to Brahma, where as the one on the north honors Vishnu. All three central shrine are of a simple form with miniature replicas of the shrines are guarded by sculptures of mythical figure with human torsos and animal heads kneeling at the base of the stairs leading to the entrance. most of these figures are copies, the originals have been removed for safe-keeping.